"Amen," Dad said. Luke immediately started eating. Vicky had put her head in her hands and didn't want to eat. She just wiped her eyes on her hoodie and looked desperate.

As soon as they had finished eating, his dad sent Luke to his mom's bedroom. His mom felt really sick. What a bad day, Luke thought.

"Luke, I know you've been looking forward to go-karting, but could you take Vicky to kindergarten for a carnival instead? She's been getting ready for this for a long time, and Dad can't go with her. "

"Mom," Luke didn't understand, "you can't do that to me. It's not my fault you got sick."

"I know. I will not force you. But once we read about how Jesus came down from the beautiful heavens and became a baby in a barn, you said you would do it too - for someone you love. I think this is a bit similar. "

It was true. Luke did say that. He thought he would not have hesitated to put himself out for somebody. But at that moment it suddenly seemed to be much more complicated. He would lose the karting. It would probably be awkward in the kindergarten. And how could he even be able to explain it to the boys? Was he was supposed to tell them, "I can't go karting because I'm going to the carnival with the tots?"

Tears filled Luke's eyes. He blinked quickly so his mom wouldn't see it. He didn't think it could be that hard. He knew Vicky was crying in the kitchen. He could imagine how she probably felt since she had been so excited before.

"I'll go with her then," he said at last, because he liked Vicky.

Mom gave Luke a hug and kissed him on the forehead.